Choose the option which is closest in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence:
The manager was praised for his meticulous planning.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Careful
Meticulous means showing great care and attention to every detail. The manager planned every detail with great care. Its synonym is careful.
Example: She keeps meticulous records of all expenses.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Careless | not giving enough attention (it is the opposite of meticulous) | A careless mistake cost him five marks. |
| (2) Careful (answer) | giving close attention so as to avoid mistakes (meticulous is the stronger word) | Be careful while crossing the road. |
| (3) Doubtful | not sure (it has nothing to do with care over details) | I am doubtful whether he will come. |
| (4) Lenient | not strict, mild in punishing (it describes a soft attitude, not careful planning) | The teacher was lenient with the late students. |
| Synonyms of meticulous: careful, painstaking, thorough, scrupulous Antonyms of meticulous: careless, sloppy, negligent, slapdash Also asked in CUET (UG): meticulous – 22-05-2026 Slot 2, 30-05-2025 Slot 1, 18-06-2023 Slot 3, 16-09-2022 Slot 1 lenient – 12-06-2023 Slot 1, 16-09-2022 Slot 1 |